Dodgers' Blake Snell Returns from Injury in 4-0 Loss to Rays

Blake Snell returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting rotation after a long absence due to left shoulder inflammation, making his first big-league start since April 2 in a 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite pitching well with eight strikeouts over five innings and allowing only three earned runs, Snell was hit twice by former teammate Yandy Díaz, who contributed two home runs that proved decisive. The Dodgers' offense struggled against Rays starter Drew Rasmussen, who dominated with six strikeouts and no runs allowed. Snell's return is seen as a significant boost for the Dodgers' pitching staff as they pursue another World Series title, especially given the team's low activity in the recent trade deadline, relying instead on key players' recoveries. The Dodgers plan to use a six-man rotation to manage the workload of Snell and other key pitchers like Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow. The team's success in the upcoming months may hinge on Snell regaining his top form and providing stability to the rotation.